Jon Richards visits Janesville, campaigns for Wisconsin attorney general position

JANESVILLE--Rep. Jon Richards, D-Milwaukee, said he would work closely with Rock County law enforcement and families if elected to replace Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Von Hollen in November 2014.

Richards visited Janesville on Monday and stressed the importance of tackling drunken driving, the widespread use of heroin and making sure criminals are not in possession of firearms.

“The office of attorney general can be a powerful force of good in this state,” Richards said. “Based on things I have worked on over the years and seeing where Wisconsin is going, we have some real pressing needs that need to be addressed, and I have unique skills to bring to the job.”

Richards said he wants to ensure people and families are “protected from the blue collar criminals and violent criminals” while building solid relationships with local law enforcement, representatives and increasing the number of district attorneys.

While in the Legislature, Richards said, he has worked with Gov. Scott Walker to increase funding for prosecutors and public defenders and to require first-time drunken driving offenders to install devices on their vehicles that checks their breath for alcohol.

He also is tackling the issue of whether the Legislature should be subject to the open records law.

Von Hollen, who is not seeking a third term, said Sen. Leah Vukmir, R-Wauwatosa, is not subject to an open records lawsuit filed by the Center for Media and Democracy, a watchdog group, while she is in office.

Richards disagrees and introduced legislation that would require the open records law apply to the Legislature.

“I think it would be very helpful to our society if it sees the light of day,” Richards said.

Richards has endorsements from Rep. Deb Kolste, D-Janesville, several district attorneys and representatives across the state.

Brad Schimel, Waukesha County district attorney, is running for the Republican nomination, and Ismael Ozanne, Dane County district attorney, will run against Richards as a Democrat. A primary would be in August, if needed, and the general election is Nov. 4, 2014.